I have mentioned in previous posts the small group I was a part of when I first came to California. One thing we would do each time we meet was share what God was doing in our lives. It was always so encouraging and amazing to see God’s hand on display in the lives of the people around me. My small group leader called it “Highlights.” So today, I am sharing mine.

During my blog sick day, between sleeping and watching a Netflix series, I felt compelled to create a plan to move. I have had the privilege of living with family since I moved to California. I am truly blessed to have their support. I thank God for their open arms of love. The person I was when I stepped off the plane in Burbank was in desperate need of respite and love. I received that here. My decision to move was not preceded by pressure to leave or feeling unwelcome. I sensed God was leading me to the next chapter of my journey which included spreading my wings and leaving the nest.

Back to the plan - it was extremely detailed and thorough. My thought process was logical and my strategy was well within my ability. I reasoned three months would be a good amount of time to really focus on preparing for this next step. After writing everything down, I presented my plan to God. I gave Him free rein to adjust it as He saw fit. Soon after praying, God spoke to me and said I would be moving sooner than I intended. I was still uncertain of the exact shift in the timeline but I was down for the ride.

Fast forward about a month. I was preparing to make my morning coffee when my aunt showed me a rental listing on social media. The realtor (Jesse) who sold her our house posted it earlier that morning. He was not the owner of the listing, rather he was sharing it on behalf of one of his real estate partners. When I saw the space, my face looked like the smiley emoji with hearts for eyes. A sense of urgency rose up inside of me. I reached out to the agent via phone and email. At the same time, unbeknownst to me, my uncle also reached out Jesse. Jesse, in turn, texted me and we booked a viewing for the next day.

On the day of my appointment, God told me to write the home owners a letter. I shared with them a little bit about myself and used it as a way to know the person behind the application. I also had a letter of recommendation I requested about a year ago from my previous landlord in New Jersey. It was a glowing letter, to say the least. While driving to the appointment, my heart was filled with excitement. Could this be it? I was welcomed by Jesse’s smiling face and we entered the property. It was even better than the photos. I loved it!! We spent about half an hour there and even talked about how I could furnish the space. I was all in. That evening, I filled out the application, emailed the letters, and went to sleep. It had been a long day but I knew I could not rest until this was completed.

I sensed strongly this was the space God was leading me to and I prayed in faith I would find favor with the decision-makers. My friends were praying with me too. Jesse already made it clear he would be advocating for me. The rest was up to God. Two days after viewing the home, I received a text from Jesse. The place was mine if I still wanted it. Yes, I want it!!! I would be moving in less than two weeks. Okay God, that was fast!!

I love how God used the community around me to assist in moving me to the next step. This experience was also a reminder of the importance of listening and obeying God’s voice. If I was not attentive to His voice, I may not have heard Him say I am moving sooner and could have missed it! Heeding His instructions along the way was so important.  There are things I did not mention that He told me to do which I believe lead to this very moment. (Confession: He did tell me to start packing before presenting the place to me and I did not. Now I have all this extra work on the back end on top of juggling all my responsibilities. He was trying to look out for me. He’s so good like that.)

My prayer for you is that you will continue to partner with God.  Listen to His voice and obey. Allow Him to order your steps and watch what He will do!!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Until Next Time,

Live Audaciously!

Kay Naomi